Local Teenager To Compete In International Competition

A Green Country teen is about to take the trip of a lifetime. The Broken Arrow track star has been selected for an international competition in Australia. He's running for more than just a chance

Tuesday, June 5th 2007, 9:39 am

By: News On 6

A Green Country teen is about to take the trip of a lifetime. The Broken Arrow track star has been selected for an international competition in Australia. He's running for more than just a chance at bringing home a medal. The News On 6â€™s Heather Lewin reports his race is dedicated to his mother who's in a race of her own, for her life.

"He came to me one day and said 'Dad, I want one of them gold medals.' And I said, well, you gotta work a little harder," said Kody Davisâ€™ father Kirk Davis.

So, the two have been a team ever since, with Kirk Davis coaching his son Kody Davis all the way to the finish line.

"I'll never forget it. He took off at a real fast pace. I said 'Pace yourself!' and he never stopped. He was in his own world, and when he won it, he jumped into mom and dad's arms, I won it, I won it!" said Kirk Davis.

Since that first win, Kody Davisâ€™ running career has really taken off. In July he'll be flying to Australia to compete in the Down Under Games as one of nearly 2,000 high school athletes from around the world.

â€œI never thought, you know, four, five years ago that he'd ever be running in an international competition," Kirk Davis said.

â€œThere's no feeling like it in the world. The adrenaline is just pumping through you. It's wonderful," said Kody Davis. "For me, it's just like a big relief. It's my way to get away from everything."

But no matter how fast he runs, there's one thing he can't escape. Last February, his mother Dianne Davis was diagnosed with brain cancer. Doctors told the family the disease is just too aggressive and Dianne Davis likely doesn't have much time left.

But Kody Davis isn't giving up. He's dedicating his race to her recovery.

â€œShe's always been there for me, and she never let me quit," Kody Davis said.

"You know, everybody's proud of their kid, but this young man has gone through stuff at 17, I wouldn't want to do now," Kirk Davis said.

He says the hardest part is Kody Davisâ€™ mom can no longer come out and watch him run. But for both, no matter what, she will be there in their hearts.

At first Kody Davis had to decline the invitation to the games because of financial hardship. Organizers heard his story and granted him a scholarship.

He says the race isn't just for his mom, but anyone dealing with cancer.

Watch the video: Green Country Teen Headed Down Under